There’s a kind of magic that only exists in the desert – the rugged mountain peaks that glow in the golden light, the green cacti that stand out against the red rocks, and the way the sky lights up at sunset. And nestled in the desert of Tonto National Forest is the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, where the Salt River runs through the grounds, framed by the towering Bulldog Cliffs. The gorgeous surrounding scenery, the rustic character, and the western charm makes this a one of a kind venue that might just be perfect for hosting your day! This guide will tell you all about the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch wedding venue, so you can decide if it’s where you want to say your “I do’s.”

About the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch Wedding Venue

The Saguaro Guest Ranch is a unique place with a long history. It was originally built in 1928 – though at the time, it was built as a work camp. The lodge served as a mess hall, and the cabins housed the workers who were building a nearby dam. Though the ranch has seen plenty of renovations, it still has that authentic charm. Couples who choose this as their wedding venue often fall in love with the quiet simplicity and wide-open beauty of the area. The surrounding landscape, with towering saguaro cacti, red rock cliffs, and the meandering Salt River feels like your own personal getaway!

The Location of the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

The Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch wedding venue is about 45 minutes east of Phoenix. It’s  in the Tonto National Forest, just five minutes from Saguaro Lake, which means it’s not only a gorgeous place to get married, but also the perfect home base for a weekend of adventures! The Ranch offers paddle board and kayak rentals, as well as guided tours, and you can go horseback riding through the desert. At Saguaro Lake, you can take a scenic boat ride, explore the water, and enjoy the views from the Shiprock Restaurant, which sits overlooking the lake. There’s also hiking, birdwatching by the river, some magical stargazing opportunities, and more. It’s the perfect place to spend your wedding weekend!

How Many Guests Can You Have at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch?

The Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch can accommodate up to 200 guests, but they also offer packages for smaller weddings, and for elopements with up to 10 guests. It’s the perfect setting whether you want to keep things intimate and personal, or to celebrate with all of your loved ones! The wide open space and mountain views make even a larger guest list feel serene and personal.

Ceremonies and Receptions at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch Wedding Venue

Ceremonies usually happen on the Lower Lawn, with the Bulldog Cliffs as a dramatic natural backdrop. It’s on the banks of the Salt River, but separated by a grove of trees. Both ceremonies and receptions at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch wedding venue are outdoors, allowing you to enjoy the gorgeous views. For the reception, there’s plenty of room for tables and a dance floor, and you can dance the night away under the desert sky!

More Amenities at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch Wedding Venue

Along with the gorgeous setting, this venue offers a ton to make sure your wedding experience is perfect!

On-Site Lodging

One of the biggest perks of the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch wedding venue is the on site lodging. There are 20 cabins of different sizes, decorated with southwestern decor, vintage furniture, and windows to ensure you have views of the surrounding desert. This gives you a convenient place to get ready for the wedding, and having your guests here also gives you more time to connect with your loved ones. 

The Pool

Yes, there’s a pool! Lounging by the pool, with the towering cliffs in the backdrop, really gives your wedding weekend the feeling of being a little getaway. It’s another great way to make the most of the gorgeous setting!

Activities and Adventures

The Suaguaro Lake Guest Ranch offers so many unique activities and ways to explore the surrounding area! You can take guided tours, or do some of these yourself. Here are just a few of them:

• Horseback riding
• Water adventures – kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting and tubing
• Hiking and trail running
• Lawn games
• Mountain biking
• ATV tours
• Fishing
• Yoga and massages
• Bird watching

When Can You Get Married at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch?

The best time for a wedding at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is spring (March – May, and fall (October – November). These months offer mild temperatures, since summers in the desert are very hot (like, triple digits hot), and winter evenings can get pretty chilly. Spring time can bring some blooming wildflowers, which can be a nice addition!

This wedding venue offers a “destination wedding” package, which means you have the venue for the entire weekend (Friday – Sunday). This means that if you want to rent the venue for just one day, the only options available are on weekdays (Sunday – Thursday)! 

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch Wedding Venue?

The cost of booking the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch wedding venue depends on a few factors, such as the time of year you get married, the number of guests, and more. For the most accurate, up to date information, be sure to contact the venue! 

But, to help you estimate costs, here are some ballpark figures. For “destination weddings,” meaning you’re there for the entire weekend, costs start at about $20,000. For just the day, with up to 200 guests, it starts at about $12,000. There’s also the option to book the venue for just 2 hours for a small elopement, which is under $1000. So, the costs can vary a ton! 

Is the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch Wedding Venue Right for You?

This venue is perfect for couples who:

• Want an outdoor ceremony and reception
• Love nature and the desert
• Are planning a wedding weekend celebration
• Want a venue with some character and charm

If that sounds like your kind of day, the next step is to reach out to the venue to inquire about costs and availability! Fill out the contact form on their website to get the ball rolling.

Ready to Get Married?

Your wedding day is about those big moments, but it’s also about the quiet ones. The warm light, the shared laughs, and the way it all felt. As a wedding photographer, my approach is all about creating a work of art from your photos, while also capturing the day honestly – documenting the day in a way that brings you back to the moment every time you look at your photos!

If you’re planning a wedding at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, I’d love to be there to document it all (an to show you my favorite photo spots at the venue). Contact me to get started!

Saguaro Lake Ranch Wedding Venue Inspiration